were obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was available or could be acquired in the past. Example: "The resources we needed for the project were obtainable through various online platforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All these metals were obtainable in Anatolia, although the tin needed to make bronze may have been imported.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Studies in any language were included if English translations were obtainable.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

With 72 scans being completed, a total of 576 ultrasound windows were obtainable.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Skladany says the jobs were scored on the desirability of the work, the pay, and whether they were obtainable.

Forbes

In the end, only the 2010 image of the satellite F18 had to be removed from the analysis because no calibration coefficients were obtainable.

EPJ Data Science

The defect-free friction-stir processed surface layers with ~ 2.5 mm thickness, with final microstructures of β-regions with acicular-α and GB-α, or Martensite-α′ phase, were obtainable.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The games were obtainable as early as October 11.

Wikipedia

But no controls were obtainable.

Plosone

However, no further details of the studies were obtainable from the trialists.

British Journal of Cancer

This demonstrated that species and even strain dependent hybridisation patterns were obtainable.

BMC Biotechnology

No IC50 values were obtainable, if compound 1 was tested at up to 82.92 μM.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were obtainable" to clearly indicate that something was capable of being acquired or accessed in the past. Ensure the context makes it clear what specific items or resources "were obtainable".

Common error

Avoid using "were obtainable" when referring to the present or future. This phrase specifically indicates something that was possible to obtain in the past, not what is currently or will be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were obtainable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something was capable of being acquired or achieved. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and is frequently used across various types of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were obtainable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to express that something could be acquired or achieved in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. While "were obtainable" is generally a strong choice, alternatives like "were available" or "could be acquired" may offer subtle nuances depending on the intended meaning. Remember to reserve this phrase for past contexts and avoid using it when referring to the present or future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be acquired

Focuses on the action of acquiring something, suggesting a more active role in the process.

were available

Indicates simple availability without necessarily implying any effort to obtain.

were accessible

Emphasizes the ease of access or availability, rather than the ability to obtain.

were within reach

Emphasizes the proximity and possibility of obtaining something without difficulty.

could be attained

Highlights the achievement or reaching a goal, implying effort and success.

were achievable

Focuses on the possibility of achieving or accomplishing something, implying a goal.

could be realized

Focuses on the actualization or manifestation of something, implying a potential that was fulfilled.

were procurable

Stresses the process of procuring or obtaining something, often through specific means.

could be secured

Highlights the act of securing or ensuring the possession of something.

could be gotten

An informal alternative that emphasizes the ability to receive or acquire something.

FAQs

What does "were obtainable" mean?

"Were obtainable" means that something was possible to get, acquire, or achieve in the past. It indicates the feasibility or availability of something at a specific point in time.

What are some alternatives to "were obtainable"?

Alternatives include "were available", "could be acquired", or "were accessible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "were obtainable" in a sentence?

Use "were obtainable" to describe past possibilities, such as "The necessary permits were obtainable with the correct documentation" or "The rare artifacts were obtainable only through careful negotiation".

Is it correct to say "are obtainable" instead of "were obtainable"?

While "were obtainable" refers to the past, "are obtainable" is used for the present. For example, "These resources are obtainable through our website" indicates current availability.